Bathroom ventilation is needed for much more than just removing unpleasant odors. The main purpose of a bathroom ventilation systems is remove moist air from the bathroom during showers or baths. There are a number of problems that can occur when moisture is allowed to accumulate in the bathroom. Ventilation systems should be in place to prevent problems.
Without proper bathroom ventilation, the following problems can occur:
- Stained walls or ceilings caused by moisture
- Metal corrosion
- Appearance of mold
- Paint peeling or peeling of wallpaper
- Frost forming on windows
- Higher humidity levels
Mold is the problem that people fear most from this list, and with good reason. Mold is linked to many different health conditions ranging from allergies to fatal lung diseases. Though mold growth may be visible, the spores that are released into the air are not. Spores can be inhaled without any knowledge on the part of the person that is being exposed to such a hazard.
Bathroom Ventilation System Problems
It is not safe to assume that just because you have a vent in your bathroom that all is well. Ducts must be installed properly and must also be vented properly. One example would be a duct that terminates in the attic. This could cause a moisture problem to simply move from the bathroom up into the attic. Once transferred into the attic, the same potential problems that are listed above can occur. Vents must always terminate outside of the home.
There are other ventilation duct problems to consider as well. Each duct must be covered with screen or angled such that animals and insects cannot enter the home through the duct. Shorter ducts are better than longer ones, as they allow for quick termination and do not cause the ventilation system to work as hard. Straighter, rigid metal ducting works best. Ducts should also be insulated to prevent condensation from forming in colder climates.
Bathroom Ventilation Fan Maintenance
Bathroom fans and covers should be inspected periodically to ensure they are free of dirt and debris. Any type of build up can reduce air flow and not allow the fan to do the job it was intended to do. Ducts and duct covers should also be checked to ensure that they are in good condition. Ducts can become loose over time and will need to be re-fastened to prevent them falling. Finally, rusted bathroom vent covers should be exchanged for new. Replacement covers are usually available at your local home center.
Every bathroom should have a ventilation fan, but many do not. Homeowners should consider having fans installed if they are not present. The cost of having a bathroom fan installed will be much less than the cost of making necessary repairs or having mold removed once a problem exists.
